ALEP Certification Proves Invaluable to Local Schools

Jan 22, 2019

ALEP Certification Proves Invaluable to Local Schools

January 17, 2019 -Paul Lawton, AIA, LEED, AP, ALEP, ISG Vice President of Architecture, recently became just the fourth Minnesota licensed architect to be certified as an Accredited Learning Environments Planner (ALEP). With additional licenses, specifically for design, throughout the Midwest and directly serving Iowa, Missouri, Wisconsin, and The Dakotas, Paul not only leads ISG’s Architecture group, but has directly contributed to some of the most impactful referendums and PreK-12 advancements in the Midwest.

The ALEP credential was designed to elevate professional standards, enhance individual performance, and identify those in the educational environment industry who demonstrate the knowledge essential to the practice of educational facility planning. The Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) is the only professional organization whose principal purpose is improving the places where students learn. A4LE embraces a diverse group of professionals with a single goal – building healthy, safe, high-performance, and sustainable learning environments that enhance student and teacher performance and support culture and community vitality.

Differentiating ALEP certification from other common industry accreditation is the program’s focus on everything from facility assessment and master planning to special education and individualized student learning spaces. “By integrating strategies from big-picture planning down to finishes, fixtures, and equipment selection, ALEP reinforces an emphasis on holistic facility and curriculum planning,” says Paul. “As designers and architects of educational experiences, we have a responsibility to consider the whole student and the whole District.”

Paul’s introduction into this elite group of architectural professionals is the latest demonstration of ISG’s ongoing efforts to bolster the firm’s expertise in PreK-12, higher education, and sports and recreation markets, which includes the 2018 acquisition of StruXture Architects in Waterloo, Iowa , recent Outstanding Design Recognition for St. Peter High School in the American School and University Magazine, and addition of 20+ year district facility management professional Kevin Hildebrandt.

News

May 29, 2020 (Green Bay, Wisconsin) – ﻿ISG, a professional design and engineering firm that serves both diverse markets and vast geographies, recently expounded upon its progressive strength and business unit diversification by welcoming long-time telecommunications leader Dan Nelson, PE. Based out of the Green Bay office, Dan and his team will continue to advance connectivity and further support clients on a national level.

March 20, 2020 (Minneapolis, Minnesota) – In an effort to strengthen services for a wide range of partners in the Twin Cities and across the Midwest, ISG is joining forces with Architects Rego + Youngquist, LLC. (ARY) of St. Louis Park, Minnesota. As a premier provider of design services in the education, civic and cultural, and healthcare markets, ARY’s talented professionals will add a wider breadth of expertise as they are integrated into ISG’s multi-disciplinary team.

January 28, 2020 (Storm Lake, Iowa) – ISG, a professional design and engineering firm that is 100% owned by employees, recently expanded its Water Solutions Group by welcoming long-time Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) leader Julie Sievers. Ready to embark on this new endeavor with ISG as Senior Water Specialist, Julie will complement a seasoned group of professionals, including internationally recognized Water Solutions Group Leader and Associate Principal, Uma Vempati, PE, PMP, ENV SP, Iowa project leader and Associate Principal, Tom Grafft, and many others within the firm of 315+ professionals.

January 17, 2020 – The largest wetland project undertaken by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship sits east of Storm Lake waiting for spring to come so it can perform its duty.
It was built last summer not only to prevent flooding, but to remove nitrate from primarily tile-drained land in five Buena Vista County drainage districts.

December 20, 2019 – In recognition of its commitment to supporting the application of emerging technologies, ISG has been named as the Volunteer Company of the Year by VEX Robotics. This annual award is presented to a business or organization that consistently exhibits leadership and personal commitment to the robotics community. The distinction demonstrates the value ISG places on robotics, as the firm continues to support educational and competitive programs in local schools and makes strides to creatively adopt new technologies to the benefit of its clients.